Created by Kamboj, Abhi, last modified on Feb 23, 2018

Abhi Kamboj (akamboj2-ECE 110)

Vinith Raj (vinithr2-ECE 110)


Purpose

The goal of this project is to make moving things easier. This entails creating a robot that can carry your stuff around and follow you. This could be very helpful for people who may need help carrying their things, such as handicapped, elderly people or lazy people.


Background Research

We looked at similar projects online for design inspiration. Currently, there aren’t any autonomous robots that can help people with carrying they possessions. We want to provide people with such a device, without making it too expensive.


The camera picks up a reflection from a material (i.e. reflective tape) that the person will have on their shoes, wheelchair, etc. While it is detected, the arduino will determine what speed the motors should be running at, in order to stay close to the reflection at a certain distance.



Parts


Possible Challenges

  • Getting camera to constantly track a person while they are in motion

  • Power distribution

  • Coding computer vision

  • Getting it to work altogether

References

Position systems/sensors-

https://www.airfinder.com/blog/rtls-technologies/real-time-location-systems-overview-technologies

https://www.pozyx.io/

https://www.superdroidrobots.com/shop/custom.aspx/sensor-support/68/

https://www.intorobotics.com/types-sensors-target-detection-tracking/

Similar projects-

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/603558/this-robot-will-carry-your-stuff-and-follow-you-around/

https://www.hackster.io/hackerhouse/make-an-autonomous-follow-me-cooler-7ca8bc

Motors-

http://www.robotoid.com/howto/choosing-a-motor-type.html

https://www.hackster.io/taifur/complete-motor-guide-for-robotics-05d998

Comments:

Please make your block diagram photo public in google drive because right now no one outside of your group can see this image. I like where your project is going, how exactly do you all plan to carry things (hooked in a bag, sitting on a platform)? I'm just trying to get a good picture of what this is going to look like. 
Posted by atmarsh3 at Feb 18, 2018 13:23

There will be a compartment that you can put your belongings into. The compartment will be integrated with the chassis, and can be accessed from the top of the robot.
Posted by vinithr2 at Feb 18, 2018 17:59

Sounds cool, I can't wait to see it in action. 
Posted by atmarsh3 at Feb 19, 2018 00:40

Project approved
Posted by chorn4 at Feb 21, 2018 17:26

Nice idea!  Make sure if you need help from the machine shop you talk to them early because they get busy with senior projects later in the semester.
Posted by mnwilso2 at Feb 22, 2018 00:07